On Saturday, Dec. 21, Bob and Susie Hutchison, of Frankfort, will sing and perform holiday music on Appalachian dulcimers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

The Hutchisons both came to the Appalachian dulcimer from musical backgrounds. Bob saw his first dulcimer at a craft festival, and Susie was introduced to it by her aunt Rebecca Caudill. They met each other at a dulcimer festival in 1984, and have been playing music together ever since.

Susie and Bob Hutchison to peform on Appalachian dulcimers

The Hutchisons perform instrumental duets that they arrange in diverse ways using varied harmonies, complex chords and rhythms that give a rich, full sound, and reveal a versatility that few expect in this instrument.

Their repertoire includes traditional English, Appalachian fiddle and dance tunes, as well as classical favorites by such composers as Mozart and Handel. Their holiday selections include French, English, German and Welsh carols as well as such traditional favorites as “Jingle Bells” and “Go Tell it on the Mountain.”

This duo has delighted audiences of all backgrounds at festivals, churches, historic homes, museums and private venues in many states. Their performances also include stories on how the instrument has evolved and spread, and how it became important to people all over the world.

Celebrating 10 years in 2013, the center currently features works by more than 700 artisans from more than 100 counties across the Commonwealth. Special exhibits on display include, “Capturing the Art of Sport: Works by Kentucky Artisans,” through Feb. 22, 2014. The center lobby features an 18-foot Christmas tree decorated with sports-themed ornaments and ribbons. For more information about the center’s events call 859-985-5448, visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kentucky.artisan.center, or go to the center’s website at www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov.

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is an agency in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.